Walworth County, WI Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Sec. 66-206, Abandonment prohibited, bars leaving unattended any motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, mobile home, boat, snowmobile, tractor, or other personal property on any public highway or private or public property under circumstances making it reasonably appear abandoned, and it sets a bright-line rule: anything left unattended more than 48 hours without the property owner's permission is deemed abandoned regardless of intent. Once that threshold is met, Sec. 66-207 authorizes the Sheriff to impound the vehicle or property until it is lawfully claimed, or to have it junked or sold directly if towing and storage costs would exceed its value and it is not stolen or wanted as evidence.

Sec. 66-208 lets any deputy who discovers an abandoned vehicle have it removed to an impoundment location the Sheriff designates. For vehicles worth more than $100, Sec. 66-210 requires ten days of storage after certified-mail notice to the owner and any lienholder before the county can sell it at sealed bid or auction, with public notice posted at the Sheriff's office; unreclaimed vehicles worth $100 or less can be junked or sold directly under Sec. 66-211 once confirmed not stolen. Sec. 66-209 makes the vehicle's owner, other than a stolen-vehicle victim, responsible for all costs of impounding and disposal, recoverable by the county in a civil action if the sale proceeds do not cover them.

Non-vehicle abandoned personal property follows a similar but separate 30-day unclaimed period under Sec. 66-212 before the Sheriff can dispose of it, generally by public auction unless that proves too costly or burdensome for the type of property involved.